The New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science Tests will be administered to students over the next several months. Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students receive a quality education, no matter where they go to school, because they are measured to equal standards.

In North Rockland we have had many families opt out of testing for their children and while we completely respect that decision we do encourage students to take the exams. Their participation in the testing helps ensure our District shows we are on track with the state required curriculum and aids us in our efforts for program funding. Districts including North Rockland are adversely affected by New York State when participation rates do not meet their predetermined threshold.

Linked here you will find a letter that provides more detailed information about the NYS 3-8 testing program.

The Board of Education and Administration, District and Superintendent have a shared goal to provide our students with an exemplary educational experience, while controlling taxes for our community. We understand the fiscal challenges that living in Rockland County pose which is why they are collaboratively working to ensure the amount of money we ask from our tax payers does not increase for the third consecutive year. The latest 2022-23 school budget presentation can be found linked here. An in depth explanation of the presentation by Superintendent Kris Felicello can be found linked here: Begin at Time Stamp 1:07:00 -

Budget Highlights:

1. The BOE of Education has indicated the 2022-23 budget will not include an increase in our tax levy for the 3rd consecutive year.

2. The District plans to utilize reserves to improve District facilities.The improvements include: Phase one of a plan that will eventually provide air conditioned classrooms in each of our schools, athletic fields upgrades, outdoor learning spaces and more.

3. Upgrades will be accomplished without asking the taxpayers for any additional funds. The District will utilize the Capitol Reserve Fund which was approved by voters May of 2021.

***The district receives 80% reimbursement of the cost of capital improvement projects.

Specifics on the projects will be forthcoming stay tuned!

Students residing in the North Rockland Central School District who are planning to attend non-public schools for the September 2022 – June 2023 school year, must submit applications for bus transportation and registration to the District by April 1, 2022. Even if the child will not require transportation to their non-public school the application is still required for registration.

Applications are required, reports Sandra Katt, North Rockland's Transportation Coordinator, for all students who are attending a non-public school for the first time in September 2022. This stipulation also includes children who will reach school age by September and are planning to attend a non-public school.

The applications are available at non-public schools and the Transportation Office at the District Administration Building, 65 Chapel Street in Garnerville or by calling the Transportation Office at 845-942-3050.“The District is asking anyone who may be considering non-public education to please submit their application by April 1st,” states Ms. Katt. “If plans should change and the student will not require transportation to a non-public school for the upcoming school year, the application can be rescinded, but all applications must be in to the Transportation Department by April 1, 2022.”

By law, stipulations regarding bus transportation to non-public schools include the requirement that the student's home be located 15 miles or less from the non-public

school. The District measures all distances for each child from their home to the school

of choice.

Application link

Presenting the Top 5% of the North Rockland Class of 2022!

Our unstoppable seniors were recognized this week during North Rockland High School’s in-person Top 5% Ceremony! It was a big moment, as 36 future graduates were called and recognized on the auditorium stage for their academic excellence.

NR Together we celebrated the top of the class, acknowledged their achievement, applauded their excellence, cheered for their successes and wished them all the best on their future endeavors. Our Principal's and Honor roll students all stood to be recognized by name as well.

“I know how very competitive your class is and that’s why I am extra proud of your top performance.” explained NRHS Principal Dr. Mike Gill. “Out of 660 future graduates, 81 seniors or 13% of the class closed out the second quarter with an average of 95 or higher - making Principal’s List. 108 seniors or 29% of the class earned a 90 or higher - making honor roll. Almost 45% of the class of 2022 are on track to graduate with 85% or higher. This is an impressive group! The 36 students that comprise our top 5% have really worked so hard for this, congratulations to you!

Each one of these students have worked tirelessly all year to achieve the highest grades while taking the most rigorous courses. NR meet the Top 5%:

1: Valedictorian: Jessica Singh - GPA 102.1765

2: Salutatorian: Emma Linhart - GPA 102.0000

Agne Adomauskaite, Danielle Baisley, Kaitlyn Brezosky, John Cahill, Elena Campisi, Jenna Castaldo, Gabrielle Ceconi, Anna Esposito, Emily Esposito, Grace Forlenza, Samyra Guerrier, Victoria Jaslow, Ryan Landayan, Krystof Lee, Helen Lee, Yaritza Lopez, Olivia LoPresti, Sravanth Malla, Grace Mallozzi, Joel Manoj, Briana Martinez, Kevin Mathew, Irene Maurer, Liam McCarthy, Christopher McGeown, Daniella Palamaro, Vincent Ret, Indirah Ridore Jean-Baptiste, Kieran Serra, Meghan Stuart, Gianluca Tiso, Victoria Varano, Gianna Vasti, and Kevin Wren.

Kudos on topping your class NR Strong! Raider Pride!!! More photos linked here.

And the 2022 NRCSD Spelling Bee Champion heading to compete Washington D.C. this summer is…. David Fyffe!

Fyffe was crowned the winner Tuesday after making it through numerous challenging rounds of competition against the top spellers and building level Bee Winners from all our elementary schools and middle school. The Fieldstone Middle Schooler’s triumph marks the return of one of our favorite annual North Rockland in-person events to hold after nearly two years – when the pandemic first began.

Organizers steadily made the words more difficult each round to really challenge NR’s best of the best. While many of us in the audience were unsure or scratching our heads at the spelling or even meaning of some of the words, our well prepared students consistently matched them. The energy in the room was one of great pride as principals, teachers, family and peers all cheered on each contestant that took the stage. We are so impressed with the skill, courage and determination shown by all our Bee competitors!

Special thanks goes out to Kerry Luzon and Jennifer Taylor for their vision and dedication in creating this wonderful program for our students. – We also would like to thank our fantastic Bee Announcers, Catherine Cazzari and Nicole Jessie – our fair Bee Judges, and Sarah Miller, Lisa Oslacky and Eileen Robusto – our wonderful Bee Student Helpers!

Congratulations to all who earned their spot in this week's Bee and to David on his big win. We are looking forward to watching him compete NR Strong at the national level next on June 2 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center!

ICYMI: You can watch the District Bee through the link here.

More photos are linked here.

It’s National School Social Work Week - March 6-12!

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In NRCSD we are celebrating as well as recognizing our incredible team of social workers across our school buildings this week for the vital role that they provide to students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and the community!

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The theme for NSSWW 2022 is “Time to Shine.” School Social Workers shine brightly for their students, families, and school communities. Shining hope. Shining understanding. Shining respect.

“We shine brightly by showing heart to all of our students and by offering our support to students as well as any staff that needs assistance. Whether it be social, emotional, behavioral, resources etc.” explained Lindsay Amitrani, one of our Social Workers stationed in Willow Grove and Stony Point Elementary schools. “We try to support everyone as much as possible and we truly love what we do! Being able to be a part of students' lives is one of the most rewarding things you can do in this profession!”

These caring individuals help students deal with mental health, behavioral challenges, build social confidence and provide academic and classroom support. They also assist in developing education policies, work with crisis interventions, and identify and report child neglect and abuse. They have touched so many children in our district with their light. This spotlight on their effort this week is so well deserved. Let’s show our appreciation in the comments section below!

NR's SSW Lineup: Louise Albertson, Lindsay Amitrani, Terri-Ann Anfang, Shaquan Belizaire

Carmen Diaz, Peter Eckert, Dana Levine, Sheila Lopez, Carmen Lopez-Torres, Rosalby Namnum

Catherine Ramirez, Mitzi Tharp and Mary Velez-Torres.

Show your appreciation by leaving a comment through the link here.

Today, March 11th is International SEL Day! We invite you to celebrate with "North Rockland's March Madness: SEL Edition!" Check out this playful and interactive way to engage with some of our past and current social-emotional learning activities. Click on the link and download the printable version to record your favorites as your class votes each winner to the next round. Which activity will be your 2022 favorite? North Rockland's March Madness: SEL Edition 2022

The Red Raiders came, saw, and conquered... Allow us to reintroduce the reigning Section 1 title holders as: The 2022 STATE CHAMPIONS!

Over the weekend the New York State Public High School Athletic Association state competition was held at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Led by Head Coach Tanya Kelsch, our Varsity Cheerleading team fiercely competed and defeated 13 other top NYS squads in the large school co-ed division, taking home the trophy NR Strong. We are so proud of our student-athletes who bring their all to the mat year after year. They are truly the best of the best and now they have the title to prove it! Congratulations!

The Red Raider Boys Basketball team's magical season came to an end on Sunday. Mount Vernon bested North Rockland in the Section I Class AA Championship game at Yorktown High School. Under Head Coach Jamie Ryan, North Rockland won their first League I B championship since 2011 and finished with the best record in school history - 23-1. What an incredible season these dedicated young men had and we could not be prouder!

During the District’s March Forward campaign in collaboration with Rockland County Government. During the next several weeks our students will be celebrating how physical activity can enhance learning.

We're sharing three easy steps to make your workout better for the planet!

1. Add an environmental cause to your workout. Ex. If you are going hiking bring a bag to pick up trash you may see littered about. For an added bonus challenge friends, whoever brings back the most trash has to buy dinner!
2. Green your workout gear. There's so many sneakers, yoga pants and other work out attire available made from organics, recycled materials or repurposed ocean plastic. Purchasing second hand is an even more eco friendly! Research before you buy to better the planet and your fitness routine.
3. Walk, jog or exercise outside the gym! Eliminate automobile transportation whenever possible, and even then, strive to carpool with a workout buddy. If you prefer exercising at a specific location, walk there and add it that to your workout routine! With spring coming it's the perfect time to create an outdoor routine.
   

Take a walk with us through North Rockland's Gallery 65 Exhibit located in the Central Administration Building linked here!

During Art Reception Night the North Rockland High School Art Department unveiled the Gallery's latest and greatest selection of artwork from 100 students NR Together. Each artist stood by their hung or displayed masterpiece to showcase it, explain how it was made, and their inspiration behind it. The pieces were crafted over the last month during class time in Studio-in-Art, Drawing & Painting I & II, STAC Intro to Art, AP-2D Art & Design, Ceramic I & II, Sculpture and Fashion Illustration. The art program and incredible talent in our District is always a source of great pride!

At North Rockland Central School District we take internet safety very seriously. It is important that we all have access to information on how to keep our students safe. Here are a few web resources:

1. Common Sense Media - click here

2. Connect Safely - click here

3. Internet Safety Tips - click here

The NRCSD has partnered with Peachjar. This new platform will enable us to send important school and community flyers to parents/guardians digitally, saving our schools time, money, and paper. School-approved digital flyers will be sent to your email inbox. Please click here for more information.

Be on the lookout for the 22-23 Universal Pre-K Program and the Full Day Pre-K program applications that will be posted on northrockland.org starting next week and will be accepted from January 31 - Mach 31. The program begins in September for children who will be four years old by December 1, 2022, and live in district. Children in UPK attend five (5) half days for 2½ hours each day; Children in Statewide Full-Day Prekindergarten attend five (5) days a week for 5 hours each day for 180 days per school year, at no cost to you. Parents have a choice of several center locations throughout the county. Please note that transportation is not provided. There are limited slots.